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<h1>Pressure Washer Buyer's Guide</h1>
</center>
<div style="width:136px; float:left; margin-right:10px"><img src=
"pictures/goony-guy.jpg" width="136" height="275" alt="" /></div>
<p><b>With the hundreds, even thousands,</b> of pressure washers on
the market today, we know it can be difficult to select the unit
that best meets your needs. That's why we at Hydroclean have put
together this Buyer's Guide. This guide answers the questions about
pressure washers that we most often field from our customers. If
you have any additional questions about pressure washers or a
specific unit, be sure to contact Hydroclean at 1-800-236-8765.</p>
<p><b>What's most important: HP, PSI or GPM?</b><br />
<br /></p>
<div style="width:204px; float:right"><img src=
"pictures/tinyterror.jpg" width="204" height="231" alt="" /></div>
<p>First of all, it's important to understand what each of these
acronyms means. HP stands for horsepower, PSI for pounds per square
inch and GPM for gallons per minute.</p>
<p>The HP of a pressure washer is divided up to produce both the
pressure at which the water is released (PSI) and the number of
gallons that are released (GPM). For example, a 2 HP motor can
produce 2.1 GPM at 1600 PSI or it can produce 3.0 GPM at 1100 PSI.
Cleaning power is a function of both volume and pressure.</p>
<p><b>Size does matter.</b></p>
<p>When selecting a pressure washer, first determine the minimum
PSI you need to break the bond between the dirt and the surface you
are cleaning. The chart on this page can help you, or you may wish
to contact your dealer if you need help.</p>
<div style="width:400px; float:right; margin-left:10px">
<table class="reconditioned" width="100%">
<tr>
<td colspan="2" bgcolor="black">
<center><b><font color="white">PSI Needed for Various
Applications</font></b></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="navy"><font color="white">Use</font></td>
<td bgcolor="navy">
<center><font color="white">Minimum PSI Needed</font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cars and SUVs</td>
<td>
<center>1500+ PSI</center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Industrial applications</td>
<td>
<center>1500+ PSI</center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trucks, trailers, tractors, combines, silage choppers, cotton
pickers</td>
<td>
<center>1800+ PSI</center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Decks, fences, siding</td>
<td>
<center>2000+ PSI</center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Livestock shelters</td>
<td>
<center>3000 PSI</center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large surfaces such as driveways, patios</td>
<td>
<center>3000 PSI</center>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<p>After selecting a pressure washer with at least that PSI level,
look at the GPM rate. The higher the GPM, the faster your cleaning
job will be. That's because once you have the necessary pressure to
remove the dirt and grime, the only way to make your job faster is
to increase the rate at which water is released.</p>
<p>You can lower the cleaning capacity of a larger washer simply by
changing spray nozzles or using a variable pressure wand. You can
not make a smaller washer bigger. Horsepower is horsepower; a 2 HP
motor can not pump over its capacity.</p>
<p>Always buy a unit big enough for your needs. Buying a unit that
does not have adequate cleaning power will cost you extra clean-up
time and repairs in the future.</p>
<p><b>What are units of cleaning power?</b></p>
<p>The measurement units of cleaning power is an easy way to rate
pressure washers. To determine the units of cleaning power for a
machine, multiply the PSI by the GPM (PSI x GPM). This calculation
helps you compare different pressure washers, to determine which on
is most powerful. The higher the number, the more powerful the
pressure washer.</p>
<div style="width:200px; float:left; margin-right:10px">
<table class="reconditioned" width="100%">
<tr>
<td colspan="3" bgcolor="black" align="center"><b><font color=
"white">Units of Cleaning Power</font></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="navy" align="center"><font color=
"white">GPM</font></td>
<td bgcolor="navy" align="center"><font color=
"white">PSI</font></td>
<td bgcolor="navy" align="center"><font color="white">Units of
Cleaning Power</font></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">2.0</td>
<td align="center">1600</td>
<td align="center">3,200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">3.0</td>
<td align="center">1100</td>
<td align="center">3,300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">3.0</td>
<td align="center">2000</td>
<td align="center">6,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">4.0</td>
<td align="center">1800</td>
<td align="center">7,200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">4.0</td>
<td align="center">3000</td>
<td align="center">12,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">4.8</td>
<td align="center">1800</td>
<td align="center">8,640</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">5.0</td>
<td align="center">3000</td>
<td align="center">15,000</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<p>For example, let's say you are considering one washer with 2 GPM
and 3000 PSI and another washer with 4 GPM and 2000 PSI. Which is
better? The units of cleaning power on the first washer are 6,000,
while the second unit has 8,000 cleaning units. The second machine
is more powerful and will likely be the best choice for your
needs.</p>
<p><b>Do I want a gas or electric pressure washer?</b></p>
<p>Gasoline engines are best when you need a portable unit. Since
electric motors are quiet and emit no exhaust, they are ideal fro
indoor use. With the Alkota trailer mount you can conveniently
carry water along with you.</p>
<p><b>What's the difference between belt drive and direct
drive?</b></p>
<p>The drive refers to how the pump is connected to the power
source, such as a gasoline engine or an electric motor. Direct
drive means that the pump is connected directly to that source,
while a belt drive unit transfers energy from the power source to
the pump along an intermediate belt.</p>
<p>Direct drive pumps are more compact and typically cost less than
belt drive pumps.</p>
<p>With belt drive, the pump is separated from the motor,
protecting the pump from added stress or damage and extending the
life of the unit. Belt drive pumps also generally operate at a
lower RPM, causing less heat build-up which further protects the
pump.</p>
<p><b>Should I buy a hot water or cold water pressure
washer?</b></p>
<p>It always depends on what you are cleaning and how fast you want
to get the job done. If you need to clean grease or oil, hot water
will do a better job of breaking down the grime. Hot water can
decrease cleaning time and help detergents and chemicals cleaners
work better. They also sanitize in areas where bacteria is a
problem.</p>
<div style="width:114px; float:left; margin-right:10px"><img src=
"pictures/cooltouchcoil.jpg" width="113" height="118" alt="" /><br />
<center>Cool Touch Coil</center>
</div>
<p>Hot water power washers typically do cost more. Hot water units
heat the water using a heating coil, and this component is complex.
Make sure the coil on the unit has at least &frac12;" inner
diameter; a narrower coil could become lined with build-up,
reducing the pressure of the machine. The coil should also be
spiral wound with even spacing to prevent soot build up, which
interferes with combustion.</p>
<p>On Alkota pressure washers, the coil actually forms the
combustion chamber, so there is no troublesome insulation. The even
coil spirals also allow adequate air flow, improving combustion and
fuel efficiency.</p>
<p><b>Should I buy a portable or stationary unit?</b></p>
<div style="width:274px; float:left; margin-right:10px"><img src=
"pictures/trailermounted.jpg" width="274" height="152" alt="" /><br />
<center><font size="1">Alkota's trailer mounted high pressure hot
water system</font></center>
</div>
<p>This depends on your needs. If your dirt is confined to one
room, a stationary unit might be best. However, if your stationary
unit is permanently installed, service and repairs can be more
expensive since the technician will need to travel to your
location.</p>
<p>A portable unit is convenient, especially if you have multiple
areas to clean. Pay close attention to the tires on a portable
unit. Make sure they are well lubricated and roll easily. Also make
certain the unit is not top heavy; a top heavy unit can be
dangerous for an operator to transport.</p>
<p><b>What safety features should I look for?</b></p>
<p>A number of features will make your pressure washing equipment
safer and easier to operate:</p>
<div style="width:73px; float:right; margin-left:10px"><img src=
"pictures/valve.jpg" width="73" height="124" alt="" /></div>
<ul>
<li><b>A safety relief valve on hot water units.</b> This valve
should be mounted between the pump and the coil inlet, not on the
coil outlet. Valves mounted on the outlet will spray dangerous hot
water in an emergency.</li>
<li><b>Ground fault interrupter.</b> This protects the operator
from dangerous electrical shocks.</li>
<li><b>Automatic shut-off switch.</b> This turns the heat source
off if it receives an insufficient flow of water.</li>
<li><b>Float tank/anti-siphon device</b> protects water sources
from contamination.</li>
<li><b>Trigger gun</b> increases operator safety.</li>
<li><b>Thermostat</b> regulates heat.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>When I buy a pressure washer, what other equipment will I
need to make my pressure washer efficient?</b></p>
<p>If you will be using your pressure washer equipment for vehicle
washing, you may want to install a water softener. Improved water
quality will help reduce wear and tear on the machine, plus
decrease the amount of detergent you use.</p>
<div style="width:131px; float:right; margin-left:10px">
<center>Hose Reel</center>
<img src="pictures/hosereel.jpg" width="131" height="130" alt="" /></div>
<p>With a hot water unit, you may need to install a drain nearby to
handle condensation. You may also need to install an exhaust stack
through the roof.</p>
<p>For any pressure washer, you may want to purchase other
accessories to get the most productivity out of your machine. For
example, different brushes, nozzles, wands or chemicals can help
meet the demands of your specific cleaning job. Hose reels can also
increase safety and extend the life of the hose.</p>
<p><b>How will I need to maintain my pressure washer?</b></p>
<p>Like any equipment, your pressure washer will last longer and
perform better if you take proper care of it. Your dealer can walk
you through maintenance for the pressure washer you are
considering. For example, if you select a gasoline unit, you will
need to change the fluids regularly.</p>
<p>As with all equipment, at times you will need to replace parts
on your pressure washer. Make sure you purchase a machine for which
parts are readily available.</p>
<p><b>Is there a difference in pressure washer brands?</b></p>
<p>In the pressure washer industry certain components may be
similar between brands but you should always make sure to select a
brand that is easily serviced. Consider where the manufacturer is
located; U.S. manufacturers make for more accessible parts delivery
and better maintenance. The manufacturer and dealer's experience
may also reflect what kind of service you can expect down the
road.</p>
<p><b>Above all, buy a pressure washer that will work efficiently
in your specific situation.</b></p>
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